In the past two weeks, allegations have arisen against Lizzo as a consequence of the legal action brought by her dancers. Now, even more of the Grammy winner’s personnel are predicted to join the lawsuit against the artist for harassment and discrimination claims.
Rob Zambrano, the Employment Litigation Chair of West Coast Trial Lawyers, revealed to Us Weekly in an August 9th statement that his firm is currently reviewing reports from at least six additional individuals who claim they have suffered from mistreatment.
“We have received at least six inquiries from other people with similar stories since we filed the complaint,” Zambrano said. He added: “Noelle, Crystal and Arianna have bravely spoken out and shared their experiences, opening the door for others to feel empowered to do the same. Some of the claims we are reviewing involve allegations of a sexually charged environment and failure to pay employees and may be actionable, but it is too soon to say.”
Lizzo's Legal Battle Concerning Allegations Of Harassment May Escalate
It was not disclosed who the possible plaintiffs were, however, Zambrano informed NBC News that they all were employed either on tour with Lizzo, 35, or for her Prime Video reality series, Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.
Neama Rahmani, an attorney from Zambrano's firm, also spoke with Us Weekly and divulged that they are presently in consultation with potential plaintiffs and witnesses in order to substantiate their allegations. "In this particular case, you know, we’re seeing witnesses come forward every single day that are supporting our client’s allegations," he told the outlet.
He went on: "These are individuals [who] might wanna become part of the lawsuit or [are] people that don’t wanna be a part of the lawsuit, but witnesses or just folks that are just saying anonymously that yes, the same thing happened to me. It’s very similar to the Me Too movement."
According to legal documents, dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez accused Lizzo (real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson) and her company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT) of subjecting them to sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment, among other allegations.
The dancers are taking action against Shirlene Quigley, the leader of Lizzo’s dance team, as well. In a press release, the women’s attorney, Zambrano, said: "The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing."
Davis, Williams and Rodriguez are seeking remuneration from the courts for various damages, such as wages not paid, income loss, compensation postponed, employment benefits, mental anguish, healthcare costs and attorneys’ fees.
On August 3rd, Lizzo released a response for her Instagram followers after her ex-dancers lodged the lawsuit against her, alleging weight-discrimination, sexual misconduct, and an unwelcoming work atmosphere. "The last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing," she wrote.
The "About Damn Time" singer went on: "My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed."
"These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional," she continued in the lengthy statement. "With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team."
Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez revealed to Entertainment Tonight that they were dissatisfied with their former employer's reaction and response. "I think for me, it’s just very interesting to be so open and genuine about the trauma that we experienced and to be open about the hurt that she caused us, for her to [respond back by] essentially gaslighting us," Williams claimed. She dished to the publication: "[Lizzo] never acknowledged any of the claims [directly] that we have brought forward to the table."
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When reports about the legal action became public, other former back-up dancers for Lizzo followed suit on social media, lending their support to Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez.
On her Instagram Story, fellow former coworker Courtney Hollinquest posted a screenshot of the story, and followed it up with a message of her own. "I’m not a part of the lawsuit — but this was very much my experience in my time there," she wrote. "Big shoutout to the dancers who had the courage to bring this to light."
Lizzo’s former creative director Quinn Wilson also shared Hollinquest’s post on her own Story. She commented: "I haven’t been a part of that world for around three years, for a reason. I very much applaud [sic] the dancers’ courage to bring this to light. And I grieve parts of my own experience. I’d appreciate space to understand my feelings."
